Observers say Mass. GOP must rebuild from ground up

The Lowell Sun

Updated:
02/02/2013 06:36:46 AM EST

By Allison Thomasseau

Statehouse Correspondent

BOSTON -- With most eyes turned to former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown's decision not to run in the special election to fill John Kerry's Senate seat, some political observers are saying Massachusetts Republicans must pay more attention to rebuilding the local party rather than putting all their efforts into national races.

"They should recruit candidates to run for state Legislature, but often get sidetracked into flashy races that they almost always lose," said Peter Ubertaccio, a political-science professor at Stonehill College in Easton

The sudden open spot for a Republican candidate created both consternation and opportunity for GOP leaders, including former Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei, who announced Friday evening that he is considering running in the U.S. Senate election.

"Whoever our party puts forward as its nominee in this special and critically important election needs to embody the change that the people want and deserve," Tisei said in a statement. "The American people want to see our government work again and our nation prosper."

Friday's announcements followed Thursday night's contested vote for a new party leader, with GOP committee members divided. Quincy City Councilor Kirsten Hughes ran against Rick Green, a Pepperell Republican Town Committee member, with Hughes squeaking by a 41-39 vote.

"Obviously it was pretty close, but I accept the will of the committee. They made a choice and I respect that," Green said. "Now it's all about working with Chairman Kirsten Hughes.

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Hughes, who worked on Brown's re-election campaign, had the support of moderate Republicans. Conservatives, including tea-party members and Libertarians who were disappointed with Brown, supported Green.

Green said he saw himself as "an agent of change" and Hughes as representing the party's traditional approach to politics. The two candidates represent the division within the party.

"I'm not surprised, but I'm somewhat disappointed," said Thomas Gilroy, head of the Greater Lowell Tea Party.

Gilroy said Green would have brought necessary change to the Massachusetts GOP, which has become too moderate for some conservative Republicans.

"There is a certain faction within the GOP ranks that is very unhappy with the current administration, and (the leaders) don't reach out to them at all," Gilroy said.

But Susan Slade, a 1st Middlesex District GOP committee member, said it would be good to have a young woman leading the party who could reach out to different demographics.

Hughes, 35, takes over the party after an election that saw Brown lose his seat to Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a loss of several legislative seats and a shutout in the state's congressional races.

There are only 33 Republican legislators in the state House and Senate compared to 177 Democrats.

Ubertaccio said it is important for Massachusetts Republicans to focus on state and municipal elections to build a solid Republican base following the recent losses.

"The only thing a party in that position can do is attempt to reorganize their field organization," he said.

Ubertaccio said the Massachusetts Republicans are divided about how conservative the party should be. The debate over reaching out to more moderate versus conservative voters could keep the party from working together, he said.

"The Republicans own history suggests that they will turn into a circular firing squad and blame each other-while Democrats continue winning at all levels," Ubertaccio said.

Republican strategist Brad Marston also emphasized grassroots movements and updating how the party uses databases, voter identification, and data management.

"The Republican Party has fallen way behind the Democrats on technology," Marston said.

Grassroots movements will build momentum in the party, allowing the Republicans to slowly reclaim seats. However, Marston said the party should not ignore big cities with their big vote totals.

"We won't win Boston, but incremental votes will make a difference," Marston said.

Despite these obstacles, Marston is hopeful about the Republican Party's future.

"The role of political parties is to win campaigns, and the Massachusetts GOP is seeing that that kind of enthusiasm helps win campaigns," he said.

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